“You'll never know what that means!”

Today's men's tennis is almost overwhelmingly a matter of debate, starting from the rivalry between Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner. One that overshadows the rest of the competition and raises the question: “How will things evolve in the coming months, years?”.

Many former players, coaches, journalists have opined on this topic, too Jo-Wilfried Tsonga launched an interesting hypothesis in October 2025, in a dialogue for the publication Univers Tennis. The Frenchman was challenged to compare Alcaraz and Sinner to the Big 3, Djokovic, Nadal, Federerwith whom he was a contemporary and whom he took and defeated throughout his career.

Patrick Mouratoglou: “I'm sorry, Jo, but…”

“I would like to see Carlos Alcaraz win Roland Garros by beating Del Potro in the 3rd round, Murray in the Round of 16, Djokovic in the Quarterfinals, Federer in the Semifinals and Nadal in the Final. Because today, they are way above the rest. It's just the two of them”, was Jo's opinion.

Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz after the 2025 Roland Garros final / Photo: Getty Images

Patrick Mouratoglouvery active on social media – he has an Instagram channel that he frequently feeds with his own opinions, reactions, tips – indirectly answered Tsonga by defending the current generations.

“I don't think Draper, Rune, De Minaur, Fritz, Shelton, Auger-Aliassime are very good or dangerous. They are great players! I'm sorry Jo, but I'm not sure you would beat them regularly. And don't forget that Sinner and Alcaraz beat Djokovic, who has 23 major titles, to start winning Grand Slam trophies“, was the complete reply of the 55-year-old coach.

Jo-Wilfried Tsonga's reply: “If you want to talk, put your hand on the phone”

Disturbed, Tsonga extended the dialogue from a distance through several stories on Instagram. “A few days ago, Patrick Mouratoglou wanted to get a few thousand views from us. No, no, Patrick, I disagree! I think you should show respect for the player I was instead of putting me down. You're right on one point, though: Alcaraz and Sinner's dominance isn't diminishing“, said the former player with 18 ATP titles in his record.

But I think I have the right to ask myself. You will remain only The Coach, the commentator, the organizer of events, the patron, and I congratulate you for that – Jo-Wilfried Tsonga

“You will never feel deep in your bones what it means to be a tennis player, to enter an arena. You don't know what it's like. You're a coach, not the best person to correct me and give me lessons about the top level“, continued the Frenchman.

“If you want to talk about this, and you do, because we've known each other for 25 years, pick up the phone and call me. You don't need to post on social media and use my image for your own publicity and recognition,” Tsonga harshly attacked.

“Happy New Year 2026, keep doing what you're doing for tennis, it's a great job, but please show some respect for the players, even if it's noise, PR, recognition,” concluded Jo-Wilfried Tsonga.

For the French, “The GOAT is Djokovic“, as he told Le Republicain Lorrain. “I think he can get to 25, 26, 27 major titles. Maybe even 28. You never know“, the French emphasized last year.

Jo-Wilfried Tsonga vs Big 3

• Roger Federer 6-12 » in Grand Slam tournaments 2-4
• Rafael Nadal 4-10 » in Grand Slam tournaments 1-2
• Novak Djokovic 6-17 » in Grand Slam tournaments 1-7